Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Heynig.
Hi Eric, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born in Charlevoix, though I didn’t grow up in Northern Michigan. Still, this part of the state was always familiar to me—a place I returned to and kept in mind, even while I was elsewhere figuring things out.
I studied ecology at Northern Michigan University, where I became interested in how systems work and how small changes can have lasting effects. That way of thinking stayed with me. When I later found my way into brewing, it felt surprisingly natural—working with living ingredients, balancing variables, and paying attention to the details that shape the final result.
My interest in craft beer grew into homebrewing, and eventually into a career built through hands-on experience and plenty of trial and error. I’ve always been drawn more to the process than the spotlight, to the quiet work behind a well-made beer.
That path eventually led me back to Northern Michigan. Today, I’m the head brewer at Beards Brewery in Petoskey, and returning to the area felt less like a move and more like settling in. The seasons, the water, and the pace of life here influence the way I brew, and I try to let that sense of place show up in the glass.
I still consider myself a student of the craft. Brewing is something you grow into, not something you finish, and I’m grateful to be doing work that connects science, creativity, and community in a place that now feels like home.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, and I don’t think it’s supposed to be. One of the biggest ongoing challenges is maintaining a consistently high level of quality while always trying to improve. Brewing doesn’t give you a finish line—there’s always something to dial in, refine, or rethink, and that means staying attentive even when things are going well.
Another challenge is keeping up with changing consumer tastes. People’s preferences evolve quickly, and part of the job is listening—understanding what people are excited about without chasing every trend. That balance can be tricky. You want to stay relevant, but you also want the beer to feel honest and intentional.
At Beards, a big part of the work is staying true to who we are in the middle of all that. Our slogan, North of Normal, isn’t about being different for the sake of it—it’s about brewing with care, curiosity, and a strong sense of place. We focus on craft and community first, and let everything else follow.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m the head brewer at Beards Brewery in Petoskey, where I focus on making beers that are balanced, consistent, and thoughtfully made. My work spans recipe development, brewing, and quality control, with a strong emphasis on process and attention to detail.
I’m especially drawn to clean, traditional styles—lagers in particular—where precision matters and there’s nowhere to hide. I enjoy experimenting, but only when it serves the beer and the people drinking it.
What I’m most proud of is building a lineup people trust. No matter the style, I want every beer at Beards to feel intentional and well-crafted. That approach reflects our philosophy of being North of Normal—staying curious, staying grounded, and keeping craft and community at the center of everything we do.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I don’t think you always get to choose your mentor. A lot of the time, mentorship shows up in the form of the people you’re working alongside, especially those who challenge you in ways you didn’t expect. It’s your responsibility to pay attention, take what’s being offered, and find meaning in the experience.
Some of the best mentors I’ve had weren’t necessarily the easiest or most obvious ones. They were the people who pushed me, held me to a higher standard, and forced me to think differently. Those moments aren’t always comfortable, but they’re often the most valuable.
When it comes to networking, I’ve found that genuine curiosity and showing up consistently matter more than formal connections. If you do good work, stay open to learning, and respect the people around you, relationships tend to build naturally over time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.beardsbrewery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beardsbrewery?igsh=MTl3Zm01N2plbDRhMw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeardsBrewery
